Sam Adams Longshot Coffeehead

This imperial stout is aged on coffee beans and cocoa nibs imparting aromas of coffee, chocolate and hints of raisin. The decadent stout has a full-bodied mouthfeel filled with dark chocolate, espresso and raisin flavor as well as hints of plum and tobacco while finishing clean with a lingering sweetness.

This beer was brewed by Graham Johnson, the Sam Adams employee winner of the 2016 Longshot competition. Graham says of his beer:

“I love the attention to detail and making something that you can enjoy. For me, it’s a simliar satisfaction to cooking a big holiday dinner, only it lasts longer.”

Graham has been hombrewing since 2014.

My Thoughts on Sam Adams Longshot Coffeehead

I really dug this beer. It’s appearance is dark blackish brown, with a small tan head on it.

Aromas are cocoa powder front and center, with a light bunt sugar note sitting behind it. There might even be a light fruitiness that is playing with it all.

The taste is big and well rounded. There is a lot of cocoa powder going on, but it’s smooth, creamy and exactly what this beer needs to balance out it’s big roasty notes.

This finishes and lingers on the palate for quite a while, with the roasty note sitting square not the palate well after you’ve swallowed your sip. Very nice.